New York (The United Nations) 17 September 2024 (SPS)– Dr. Sidi Mohamed Omar, the Frente POLISARIO representative at the United Nations, condemned Morocco’s portrayal of Occupied Western Sahara as a model of development, declaring it the «largest prison on earth», in a letter he sent to the current President of the UN Security Council in response to claims by the Moroccan representative that the region is thriving.

Dr. Omar stated, «Nothing is further from the truth than this unfounded claim,» emphasizing the harsh realities faced by Sahrawis under Moroccan occupation. He detailed the «genocidal war, expropriation of lands, obliteration of Sahrawi identity and heritage, impoverishment, and gross violations of human rights» that characterize life in the territory.

Numerous international and African human rights organizations have documented the severe repression faced by Sahrawis. Dr. Omar described the situation as a «veritable inferno,» where Sahrawis are subjected to «brutal repression, terror, and collective punishment.»

He pointed out that this violence occurs under a media blackout, which prevents the international community from witnessing the extent of the abuses.

He criticized Morocco’s policies, stating, «The occupying state continues to pursue a large-scale scorched-earth policy through confiscating the lands belonging to Sahrawis, destroying their houses, and forcibly displacing them.» He described these actions as part of a «systematic settlement-colonial plan» aimed at solidifying Morocco’s illegal occupation.

Dr. Omar posed a critical question: “If the situation in Occupied Western Sahara were exactly as described by the Moroccan representative, why does the occupying state continue to prevent the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights from visiting the Territory for the eighth consecutive year?”

He further noted that Morocco has repeatedly denied entry to foreign journalists and independent observers, fearing exposure of the «atrocities» committed against the Sahrawis.

He added that instead of boasting about «fictitious colossal investments,»  in an occupied territory over which Morocco has no sovereignty, the Moroccan representative should focus on the «abject poverty and inhumane conditions» faced by many Moroccans, citing instances where desperate individuals risked their lives to reach Europe.

Concluding his remarks, Dr. Omar asserted, «The claims made by the representative of Morocco are merely a series of manifestly unfounded claims intended to distort the facts.» He expressed doubt that Morocco could successfully mislead the international community with repeated falsehoods, stating, “The representative of the occupying state is deluding himself if he thinks he can mislead Member States.” (SPS)